By Mary Tucker | Senior Communications and Content Manager | IAEE

The IAEE Chapter Merit Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to advance their local chapter while exemplifying IAEE’s mission to promote and advance the exhibitions and events industry. This prestigious honor is reserved for those rare leaders who not only participate – but transform – their chapters through dedication, innovation and an unwavering commitment to member success.

We’re thrilled to celebrate Chapter Merit Award winner Tara Brashear, Sales Manager at Shepard and a powerhouse within the IAEE Southeastern Chapter. Since joining IAEE in 2022, Tara has worn many hats – from Vice Chair of Industry Relations to Chair of Luncheon Education, Chair of Meetups & Special Events, and Vice Chair of Membership Engagement. Her fingerprints are on nearly every aspect of the chapter’s recent successes, from securing top-tier venues and speakers to personally welcoming new members and helping them discover their own leadership potential.

What truly sets Tara apart is her proactive, people-first approach. She doesn’t wait for opportunities to come to her; she creates them. Whether she’s connecting members with tailored networking experiences, elevating educational programming or recruiting the next generation of chapter leaders, Tara brings a can-do attitude and genuine passion that energizes everyone around her.

Tara was presented with the 2025 IAEE Chapter Merit Award this past December at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Houston, Texas.

In our conversation with Tara, we explore her journey with IAEE, her philosophy on member engagement and practical insights she’s gained from leading multiple chapter initiatives simultaneously.

You’ve taken on an impressive number of leadership roles since joining IAEE in 2022. What initially drew you to get so involved with the Southeastern Chapter, and how do you balance these multiple responsibilities?

Tara: Since returning to the industry in late 2021, I wanted to make sure that I got involved in IAEE as I feel that IAEE is an important association to the trade show industry, and it is important that both suppliers and meeting planners show support of IAEE.  Members are what keep an association moving forward.

As the chapter’s Chair of Luncheon Education, you’ve been instrumental in securing thought-provoking speakers. What’s your process for identifying speakers who will truly resonate with members, and what makes an educational session memorable?

Tara: I am always asking the entire Board for recommendations, and I have used results from surveys to find topics for speakers.

The exhibitions and events industry has evolved significantly in recent years. How is the Southeastern Chapter adapting its programming and engagement strategies to meet the changing needs of today’s professionals?

Tara: We are hosting chapter events in Atlanta and Orlando so that people do not always have to travel to Atlanta.

Looking ahead, what advice would you give to someone who wants to make a meaningful impact in their local IAEE chapter but isn’t sure where to start?

Tara: Start by volunteering, that is best way to find out more about an association.

The 2026 IAEE Awards Call for Nominations is open! Click here to learn about each category and submit your nominations for deserving colleagues.

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